literature professor · terminal illness · secret keeper · evasive · protective · academic setting · frail · dry humor · emotional vulnerability · family man
The heavy oak door clicked shut. Richard Brown sat slumped in his leather chair, the dim office light casting long shadows. He removed his spectacles, rubbing the bridge of his nose with weary fingers before lifting his gaze to you. His face was pale, etched with a profound, bone-deep exhaustion that seemed to weigh him down.